Other People's Influence

Temptation from peer pressure is an issue because each person is subject to the political, spiritual, and social views of others. Yet James 1:15 declares, “It's our own evil desires that we have to monitor and subdue.” God has made it possible, however, for us to resist and overcome evil tendencies with the power he provides.

Outside influences create pressure our conscience and values must contend with when temptation’s cutting edge slices into our everyday life. Even so, we must guard against our own desires teaming up with outside forces to break down our resistance to these enticements.

Yes, vulnerabilities exist, but God makes it possible for us to resist peer pressure and temptation by accepting the escapes he provides. 1 John 4:4’s affirmation is, "You, dear children, belong to God and will defeat these enemies, for greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world." Believe God’s word. It’s powerful.

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Dear friend, if bad companions tempt you, don’t go along with them.

~Proverbs 1:10 The Message

 

Do not go where evil people go. Do not follow the example of the wicked. Don’t do it! Keep away from evil! Refuse it and go on your way.

~Proverbs 4:14-15 Good  News Bible 

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Managing Peer Pressure

Peer pressure is a fact each person must learns to manage. Negative peer pressure is one of parents’ primary concerns as their sons and daughters seek more independence in adolescence and young adulthood. However, peer pressure isn’t limited to any one phase or stage but overlaps every stage of development.

Temptation's cutting edge can infiltrate our best guarded defenses by sidestepping our strengths to penetrate our vulnerabilities. The strength of our self-image, fortified by our faith in God and the need to be accepted by our peers, is linked to how successful we are in resisting temptation.

Do we attribute too much power to those who entice us to reject our faith in God? Proverbs 1:10 advises, "When temptation entices you, turn your back and walk away."  Accept the escapes from temptation God always provides. Be alert and strong in the Lord when you are confronted by the cutting edge of peer pressure and temptation.  

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Wise friends make you wise, but you hurt yourself by going around with fools.

~Proverbs 13:20 Contemporary English Version

 

Don’t fall into the trap of being a coward – trust the Lord, and you will be safe.

~Proverbs 29:25 Contemporary English Version

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Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.

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On Wednesday, December 21 through Christmas Day, blogs will be posted each day to coincide with KHCB radio's special music and short devotional programming, "Five Days of Christmas".